National Republican., 1887-11-08
ALDAuon's GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

ALDAUGu's GRAND OPERA HOUSE.
] have seldom found that sangutne pre-
dictions regarding q new play are fully
realized, but "Little Puck" is an exception
TO the rule. The argument Of the play is
unique. packingham Glltedge, New York
stock broker, has wayward son, Billy, who
has no taste for school, and who pines to be
man and to go on 'chauge and have
hand, weary and worried by business
troubles, longs to be a boy again. Then,
through the magic OF hoodoo idol, which
held In the right hand, will bring to pass
any with OF the holder, metamorphosls Is
enected-the father is turned into the son
and the son into the father. Each, how
ever, retain their mental faculties. The
metamerphosls 10 but physical. The son,
assuming paternal authority, sends the
sold man" to school, and he himself goes
into the stock exchange, aud leads rather
fast life. The old buck Of 90, in his youth
ful garb, makes havoc in the school room,
and the young blood creates dlsmay among
bringing home ballet girls TO dine. The ex-
perience OF these two form the most exas-
peratipgly funny series of complexities
ever seen In any modern comedy. Finally,
affairs are happily Strengthened out by the
TWO being transformed back into their
original selves-wiser, but apparently not
saddea from their many ludlcrous and ex-
citing adventures.
In the character Of Giltedge Mr.. Daniels
undertakes role OF fsimon-pure farccal COM
edy, and his performance justlfles the claim
he fs making to comedy rank OF the legiti-
mate order. Daniels Is but little known to
the Washington public; in fact, he never
played here before. But to those who have
associated him with the most pronounced
ilinaynQrQeiAa n n " fra nd
burlesque he is gratifying surprise In
"Little Puck" His acting is matured,
careful, and intelligent. His humor is rich
and broad within Limitations. AS come
dian he may be classed as one
who does not need o part measured for
him; but, with studied concern for the re-
quirements OF the character, 10 able 10
clothe himself with personality In which
the apt and beitting features OF singu-
lar individuality are artistically grated.
Miss Bessie Samson as Miranda Savage
proved herself delightful soubrette. Mr..
Robert Fraser gave to the character Of
sluggus refreshing originality. The bal
ance of the cast did excellently we'll.
There was large and highly intelligent
audience present, and, II we may Judge of
a Washington first night, 'the funniest
man Of our age" supported by an excep-
tionally we'll. balanced company, will do an
excellent business.
The play is one Of the funniest conceits l
ever saw. Go and laugh.
NEW NATIONAL THEATER.
"The Arabian Nights; or, Aladdln's Won.
derful Lamp" was produced by the I'm.
pefial Burlesque Company last night.
When the curtain rose upon the opening
chorus, in the caliph's alcove, every seat in
the balcony, gallery, orchestra, and Or
chestra circle was taken and the boxes were
well occupied. A great deal was expected
OF the piece by this audience, owing to the
long runs In New York aud elsewhere,
and criticism can be summed up when
1t is said that the production equaled
all that has been said Of 1t. 1t Is com.
position of the best elements Of the Rice
burlesque and the gorgeous features OF the
Kiralfy productions. The, music arranged
by Jesse Williams, of the New York Casino,
is in that clever leader and composer's happi-
est vein. Thecostumes and scenery, designed
by Capt Alfred Thompson, are equal, II not
superior, to anything he has ever done, and
when his "Henry "" "Comedy of Errors,n
"Romeo and Juliet" aud the Henry IT..
wing productions are borne In mind this Is
high praise. The piece is full of mechan-
ical novelties, involving the working OF
every kind of trap. One of the striking
features is the steam curtain in the first
dismal swamp the steam curtain changes
the locality into what Is euphoniously
styled, "The Crypt OF Crimson Crystals"
The palace Of parti-coloIed parasols is
gorgeous, and the final transformation
scene, as some one said Of the piece, like
Banquo's ghost, "dazzles the eyeballs."
The company is compact and balanced
organization. Miss Lena Merville, Miss
Loi Fuller, Miss Alliston, and Miss Yohe
possess the true spirit, aud the comedians
are Messrs. Golden, Gill, and Martin,
farceurs gifted with true humor. Miss Yohe
has rich and powerful contralto voice, and
in charming serenade at the opening of
the last act scored decided hit.
Miss Merville, Miss Stoddard, Nine. Dorst
end M. Oreste (the last two mentioned being
French eccentric dancers)in the Dolls Quad
iille made the audience actually scream
with laughter. They responded to three
calls. The ballet, led by Bonfante, is large
ard efficient, The piece altogether went
very smoothly.
ular commendation for the perfection Of
detail which he accomplished for this diff
cult and exacting production.
HARRIS BIJoU TuEATER.
A large audience was present last night
and applauded Henry Chanfrau's excellent
acting In the title role OF "Kit, the Arkan-
sas Traveller" OF the play / don't need
say word. Everybody knows 1t. Mr..
Chanfrau was sufficiently heroic, reasonably
urhmatlc, ana reacned MS cllmaXes
naturally. Miss Grace Wade made a capital
Alice ReddiDg. Mr.. w. w. Taylor and Mr..
Bassett Willard as,the Judge and the Major,
respectively. made the most of the up
roarious comedy elementin these characters.
The explosion of the steamer was me-
chanical success. The chorus on the levee
was well received. The bowie knife
conflict was admirably executed.
Everybody was pleased, even those critical
guests Of the eveniDg-the officers VI the
Washington Lodge OF Eks-who occupied
tastefully decorated boxes. / want to urge
the ladies to patronize the matlnees at this
house, because they can secure better seats,
can attend withoutspeclal escort, and can en-
Joy performances given especially for their
benefit. wish Henry Chlnfrsu gilt-edged
success, and he is made OF the stuff to
achieve 1t.
KERNAN's THEATER.
That aggregation of lovelipess and bur
lesque talent, Lily Clays "Little DEVILS
Reyei" Company, opened at this house yes.
terday TO big business. / need only say of
the entertainment that 1t Is all the bill
promise, and they promise all the attrac-
tions OF we'll organized troupe OF female
performers. The business at Kernan's
HTheater Is something remarkable, and can
only attribute this to the conscientious en-
J deavor on the part OF the Messrs. Herman
to keep the big faith they have made with
the public.